Niger State Government has reached an agreement to partner with the Islamic Development Bank for the implementation of the Niger State Solar Electrification Project.
The project which is the first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan Africa is to cover 200 hectares of land with a cost of $163m to provide alternative source of power to many communities.
Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago who received the preparation Mission team for the Niger State Solar Electrification Project code named NGA1063 said, the State Government has spent and invested alot in the agricultural sector, pointing out that, the Solar electrification project will compliment in terms of food production and Industrialization.
Farmer Gocernor Umaru Bago acknowledged the vital roles Islamic Development Bank has played in the State through various intervention projects,said, the Bank’s decision to build 100megawatts of solar power in the State is a huge investment that will help increase productivity and revenue generation as well as pay itself.
He also admitted that the electrification project will address multi – sectorial issues.
The farmer Governor while appreciating the Islamic Development Bank for the sustained partnership, said the state will ensure that it maintains all the projects as the state remains positioned to harness its potential in renewable energy.
The Task Team Lead, Daniyar Abylkhan disclosed that, the Bank is depending on the abundance of sunlight in Niger State to harness electricity for solar power and commended the Governor’s initiative for diversifying the means of harnessing energy to meet the needs of the people.
Mr. Abylkhan said the IsDB is in a long standing development partnership with Niger state, having entered agreement with the state in the reconstruction of Minna/Bida road adding that the level of success of the project so far is one of the major reasons why the IsDB want to always come back to the State for more partnerships.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Usman Abubakar disclosed that the meeting is to kickstart the IsDB preparation for the Niger State Solar Electrification Project which he said is to be funded by the Bank.
He said that the primary purpose is to look at what the State has put together with the relevant stakeholders so as to be able to come up with a document that will enable them carry out the appraisal as part of the process that will qualify the State to get the necessary approval.
Making a brief presentation on the Project, one of the project consultants, Umar Faruk Batagarawa said, Niger State is uniquely positioned because it has complimentary power generating sites and as such, the solar project will equally help in stabilizing the national grid as it will be an addition to the 2,000q megawatts being produced from Niger State.
Another consultant, Mohammed Mahdi Abubakar, who gave an overview on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment said it has become necessary to conduct research as a factor for the successful implementation of any project and stated that, community engagement remains a critical factor in the project as the people’s buy-in has to be sort before embarking on any project.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
26/1/2026
